Survey: New York City is the road rage capital of the U.S.

We've all seen it, we've all done it: a stupid move on the road prompts angry reactions. It's really not much different than standing in line, except everyone weighs 3,000lb and is moving at 60mph - which raises the stakes a bit.

But some places are worse for road rage than others, and a study released today by Autovantage says that New York is the worst city in America for the problem. Miami had previously held the dubious distinction of harboring the angriest drivers in the nation.

The survey only looks at the 25 biggest metro areas, presumably because the more traffic there is, the angrier people get. Their criteria included polling 2,518 people for the number of tailgaters, speeders, horn honkers and visible anger from drivers.

Unsurprisingly, the single largest cause of road rage was cell phone use. Yes, it is a distracting force. Yes, that includes you, even if you're using a hands-free device. And no, chances are that call is not that important. And you can leave texting right out.

New Yorkers were the most numerous offenders, but they'll be proud to know they are also the most likely to wave an arm, gesture with a hand or blast their horn. Anyone who's crossed a street in the Big Apple knows this to be true first hand.

Dishonorable mention also goes to the Dallas/Fort Worth metro area, Detroit, Atlanta, and Minneapolis/St. Paul. Miami didn't even make the top five, sliding in at 7th.

For the friendliest places to drive in the U.S., visit Portland, Cleveland, Baltimore, Sacramento and Pittsburgh.
Via: The Car Connection

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the photo on this article so perfectly captures road rage. i can just imagine him screaming with an irish accent, haha

ma_Kevin
Posted: 6/16/2009 1:42pm PDT

They forgot to mention Las Vegas.

ma_K_Ramos
Posted: 6/16/2009 8:26pm PDT

No kidding New York is the road rage capital. There is a reason more than half of the city doesn't drive.

I love to drive but loose all interest as soon as I hit that city.

ma_james
Posted: 6/16/2009 8:37pm PDT

nobody drives in new york, there's too much traffic.

ma_Vinzer
Posted: 6/16/2009 10:31pm PDT

A recent poll concluded that most Americans would rather have a full frontal lobotomy than operate a motor vehicle anywhere near New York City.

ma_Devigny
Posted: 6/16/2009 10:39pm PDT

im sure Montreal drivers are near them
******* idiots behind the wheels

Mens Health
Posted: 12/4/2009 11:40pm PST

Interesting article. I had no idea that the Minneapolis area would rank among the worst places for road rage. The folks I have met from that area have always been laid back. On the other hand, I'm surprised Baltimore did not rank in the worst category.
I would also like to add that people are talking and texting way too much on their phones while driving, thus contributing to road rage.